Alameda County Fairgrounds Offers Facilities for Large Events, Conferences, with an Eye Towards Possible Expansion

By Hacienda Network Staff Writer

The Alameda County Fairgrounds are best known for events like the county fair, the Home & Garden Show, The Goodguys West Coast Automobile Nationals, and the Scottish Games. What many people don't know is that corporations like PeopleSoft have used the fairgrounds to host seminars, trade shows, and corporate meetings and conferences serving as many as and 5,000 people.

Currently, the fairgrounds occupies over 260 acres of land and includes ten separate buildings ranging from 5,000 to 32,000 square feet. The Pleasanton Amphitheater provides seating for up to 3,000. The Palm Pavilion, a newly-renovated venue, provides 5,000 square feet of space with a patio surrounding the building that overlooks the horse track and golf course and has been used for events ranging from meetings and fundraisers to weddings. The Satellite Wagering Facility totals 30,000 square feet. There's even a nine-hole golf course with professional, 75-tee driving range. Access to the Fairgrounds comes via illuminated, paved parking lots with a capacity of 12,000 cars.

Each of the meeting and theater facilities is enhanced by the latest audio-visual equipment as well as high-speed digital connections via T-1 or wireless Internet access. The Fairgrounds also has planners on staff to help coordinate events and offers a choice of service providers. Independent event services include catering by Ovations, the exclusive onsite caterer for the Alameda County Fairgrounds; parking management by experienced, uniformed security guards; and event support services ranging from venue decorating assistance, sign production, and technical services to ticket takers. The Fairgrounds can, in some cases, accommodate outside service providers as well.

These facilities may soon be joined by a big addition. The fairgrounds management is investigating the feasibility of adding a 100,000 square foot exhibition hall to the property. "We've been meeting with financial institutions to discuss construction of a 100,000 square foot facility for the Fairgrounds," says April Chase, marketing director. "We do see a need for a property of this size in the East Bay and we're investigating our options."

For further information, contact April Chase at (925) 426-7600 or access the Fairground's web site at alamedacountyfair.com.

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